The Candy Stripe Zinnia (Zinnia elegans) is a striking heirloom variety famous for its "splashed" appearance, featuring petals streaked and spotted with contrasting colours like a traditional candy cane.
Quick Profile
Appearance: Double or semi-double blooms (2–4 inches across) with red, rose, or cherry stripes on a base of white, yellow, or pink.
Height: Typically grows between 24 to 36 inches (60–90 cm) tall.
Life Cycle: A fast-growing annual that blooms from summer until the first frost.
Pollinators: Highly attractive to butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Growing Essentials
Light: Needs full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for vibrant colours and strong stems.
Sowing: Direct sow into warm soil (1/4 inch deep) after the last frost. While they can be started indoors in cell packs, zinnias generally dislike root disturbance.
Watering: Water at the base to avoid wetting foliage, which can cause powdery mildew.
Spacing: Space plants about 6 to 12 inches apart to ensure good air circulation.
